Gather your smartest friends and test your knowledge for a great cause when the Cambridge Natural History Museum hosts the Natural History Trivia Night on Friday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons, located at 309 N. Bishop Hill St.
Hosted by Lance Camp and assisted by museum curator Anderson Taylor, the evening promises a fun and educational experience filled with fascinating facts, laughter and friendly competition — all in support of one of Henry County’s most inspiring young-led institutions.
Tables of up to eight players are $100, or individual tickets are $12.50 for those who prefer to be matched with a team upon arrival.
To RSVP, please email cambridgenaturalhistory@gmail.com or call 309-704-0110.
All proceeds from the event will go toward the Cambridge Natural History Museum’s building fund, a campaign led by 11-year-old founder and curator, Anderson Taylor, to raise $50,000 to purchase and renovate the building the museum currently occupies at 132 W. Center St. in Cambridge, Ill.
The museum first opened its doors in August 2024, when then nine-year-old Anderson transformed his lifelong dream into reality after being inspired by a visit to the Staffin Dinosaur Museum in Scotland. What began as a single display case of fossils and artifacts has since grown into a vibrant community treasure, now filling eleven display cases and welcoming hundreds of visitors from across the country and around the world. The museum regularly hosts school and daycare field trips, sparking curiosity and wonder in visitors of all ages.
“I’ve been amazed by how much support we’ve received,” said Anderson. “People from all over have donated fossils, minerals, and artifacts to the museum, and I want to make sure these items are preserved and displayed for many years to come. That’s why owning the building is so important; it will make sure the museum has a permanent home.”
Funds raised through the trivia night, and other community efforts will help:
–Secure a permanent home for the museum in Cambridge, Ill.
–Restore and preserve the building’s historic brick exterior
–Finish the upstairs space to create a short-term rental that supports the museum financially and provides local lodging
–Update and repair the main museum space and add a small gift shop for visitors
“Every dollar raised gets us one step closer to ensuring this museum can continue to educate and inspire for generations,” said Event Host Camp. “It’s amazing to see what Anderson has accomplished at such a young age and how his passion for natural history is bringing our community together.”
Don’t miss this chance to show off your trivia skills, enjoy an evening of laughter and learning and help make history in Cambridge.
